Village Corner Restaurant Review

: Hard to deny this Carmel charmer its monikers of “outlast,” “outwit,” “outplay.” A staple, Village Corner draws the old-timers on desolate weekdays to support one of the few remaining original structures in town. Weekends pack in out-of-towners who find the low ceilings, sunny décor and curb seating appealing. The menu has evolved far from the staples of the 1940s, though, and we’re not sure if that’s for the better. The restaurant calls its cuisine “Euro-Mediterranean-California-bistro-Carmel-style.” Is there a dictionary in the house? The dinner menu features dishes such as double-garlic chicken with saffron gnocchi, filet mignon with a spinach mushroom crêpe and Spanish paella for two. Where Village Corner turns a corner is its simple breakfast (try the skillet of avocado, chilies, green onions and salsa) and lunch menus (we like the Philly with tri-tip, onions and cheese on ciabatta bread), best enjoyed on the heated outdoor patio next to the fire-pit.

The Village Corner is one of the gems of carmel. We love to sit on the heated patio, and share the FABULOUS paella for two with a good local wine, and people watch. Service is always great, the staff knows just what we like.